Eucalyptus, one of the world’s tallest trees, is originally native to Australia and Tasmania and now cultivated in southern Europe, India and Africa. Also known as blue gum tree and iron bark, eucalyptus produces branches of alternating, oval-shaped, blue-green leaves. Because the leaves retain their shape and color, they are used in floral crafts. They are also highly aromatic owing to various volatile oils, such as cineol.
description Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree of the Myrtaceae family that typically grow from 30 to 55 m (98 to 180 ft) tall. The bark sheds often, peeling in large strips. The broad juvenile leaves are borne in opposite pairs on square stems. They are about 6 to 15 cm long and covered with a blue-grey, waxy bloom. The mature leaves are narrow, sickle-shaped and dark shining green. They are arranged alternately on rounded stems and range from 15 to 35 cm in length. The buds are top-shaped, ribbed and warty and have a flattened operculum (cap on the flower bud) bearing a central knob. The cream-colored flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils and produce copious nectar that yields a strongly flavored honey. The fruits are woody and range from 1.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter. Numerous small seeds are shed through valves (numbering between 3 and 6 per fruit) which open on the top of the fruit. It produces roots throughout the soil profile, rooting several feet deep in some soils. They do not form taproots.
common names & nomenclature The leaves are covered with a blue-grey, waxy bloom, which is the origin of the common name blue gum.
Also known as: eucalyptus, blue gum, australian fever tree, tasmanian blue gum, southern blue gum
Eucalyptus globulus is native to Tasmania and southeastern Australia.
climate Eucalyptus grows in sunny hilly country or moist valleys, or damp marshy areas, doesn’t grow well in shade.
soil Eucalyptus prefers a moderately fertile well-drained soil.
growing Sow seeds in February or March in a sunny greenhouse. Species that come from high altitudes appreciate 6 - 8 weeks cold stratification at 2°C. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the second set of seed leaves has developed, if left longer than this they might not move well. Plant out into their permanent locations in early summer and give them some protection from the cold in their first winter. The seed can also be sown in June, the young trees being planted in their final locations in late spring of the following year.
harvesting Eucalyptus leaves may be harvested anytime during the growing season, just be careful not to harvest more than half of the plant’s leaf supply at one time. Leaves are then dried and cut into pieces for later use.
preserving Store dried leaf pieces in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
eucalyptus—the healing plant from down under When it comes to being a well-rounded and helpful herb, you can’t do much better than eucalyptus. There are hundreds of way you can use eucalyptus to help soothe your skin and improve your health. This plant hails from Australia and was used by the aborigines first as a powerful medication. But the amazing uses of eucalyptus are well known by people all over the world now.
There are many things you can do to use eucalyptus. The first is to purchase ointments made from eucalyptus. These ointments can be used to treat skin irritations and minor wounds. It has a natural healing power that will soothe your skin and promote healing quickly.
Purchasing eucalyptus essential oil will unlock its many uses. You can dilute it and apply it directly to your nose and chest when you’re suffering from a cold. It will help to open up your nasal passages naturally and allow you to have relief from a cold or allergies. In addition, you can use eucalyptus in a warm compress to soothe sinus pain and pressure.
eucalyptus tea can work to help soothe a sore throat and treat problems such as bronchitis. Sipping on a steamy cup of eucalyptus tea will also help to open your nasal passages and provide you with relief.
For bad breath, you can use tincture of eucalyptus diluted as a mouthwash. This will help to kill the bacteria that are causing your bad breath in the first place. It’s a natural way to have pleasant breath.
Diluted eucalyptus essential oil will also be a great treatment to apply to bruises, joint sprains, and arthritic joints. It will help to soothe aching muscles and bones in a natural way. Adding eucalyptus essential oil to a footbath can also help to freshen smelly feet and rejuvenate them from a hard day of work.
Once you begin to use eucalyptus, you’ll find that it’s a great solution for many health problems—especially during the winter months when coughs and colds run rampant and dampness causes rheumatism to flare up.
To create a soothing eye mask, mix eucalyptus leaves with rice and place into a sewn cloth pouch. Microwave the pouch for a minute and apply to your head and face to relieve sinus pressure and open the nasal passages.
To use eucalyptus, you can purchase the eucalyptus essential oil, eucalyptus leaf, and even do-it-yourself tea bags to fill with the herb. You can also purchase ointments that actually contain eucalyptus as the active ingredient. These are formulated to be applied directly to the skin.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
